• Stakeholders react
• Traditional rulers pledge full support
• Police assure of tight security

By Adedotun Ajayi

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The stage is set for the Ondo State Governor, Hon.  Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami to be sworn  in into office today.

The event is taking place at the Akure township stadium, in the state capital.

The governor and his deputy won  the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

President Ahmed Tinubu, governors, ex- governors, ministers, captains of industry, royal and religious leaders and notable politicians are expected to grace the epoch making occasion today.

The event promises to be a grand occasion, with government officials, political stakeholders, and security agencies working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and memorable ceremony.

A member of the inauguration committee and former Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will be attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria.

 He said expected guests include President Bola Tinubu or his representative, South-West state governors, former governors of Ondo State, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, top government officials, and prominent figures from various sectors.

According to Akinlosotu, the inauguration will blend tradition, governance, and celebration.

The event lineup include the official swearing-in ceremony and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s inaugural address. cultural performances showcasing Ondo State’s rich heritage. Interfaith prayers for divine guidance and wisdom and a grand gala night to celebrate the new administration.

These carefully planned events aim to set the tone for an administration focused on unity, progress, and development.

To ensure a hitch-free inauguration, security agencies have heightened their efforts.

The  State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, assured residents that adequate security measures are in place.

Afolabi disclosed that all invited guests have been profiled, and security personnel will escort dignitaries from the airport to their hotels and then to the venue. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security officials.

Beyond the inauguration, the CP reaffirmed the police’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, particularly kidnapping. He revealed that a recent operation in the Owo-Ifon axis led to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, with six confessing to past abductions.

 While details of security strategies remain undisclosed, he assured the public that ongoing efforts would significantly reduce crime across the state.

For effective collaboration, he encouraged residents to report any security concerns via a dedicated hotline (07032358284), strictly for text messages.

Meanwhile, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, key traditional rulers have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

The Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, in separate interviews with The Hope, commended the governor for his commitment to preserving and promoting traditional institutions.

They expressed confidence that his administration would continue fostering peace, development, and unity across the state.

The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, described the inauguration as historic, emphasising that this is the first time the APC would be succeeding itself in the State.

He highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to continuity, assuring that ongoing projects will be completed and new initiatives introduced to further drive development.

Similarly, Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and APC chieftain, speaking with The Hope, praised the governor for prioritizing key infrastructural projects, economic growth, and social welfare initiatives since assuming office.

She reiterated that Aiyedatiwa’s administration would focus on job creation and youth empowerment., women-focused initiatives to promote economic stability, improvements in education, healthcare, and road infrastructure.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, assured residents that the Aiyedatiwa administration will prioritize key infrastructure and development projects.

According to him, the new administration’s first major tasks will include job creation initiatives to tackle unemployment, completion, redesign, and expansion of major roads such as Ijoka Road, Oda Road, and the Shagari Flyover, promoting Ondo’s tourism potential, especially Araromi Beach, positioning it as a global tourist destination, boosting the health and education sectors, with immediate issuance of employment letters to newly recruited medical practitioners and teachers.

Adeniyan called on residents to remain optimistic and patriotic, assuring them that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership would deliver quality governance and sustainable development.